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How to Install a Dog Door?

One of the best methods of increasing the freedom of movement of the pet is the installation of a dog door. Although this procedure may seem difficult, it is simple if you follow the right steps. Here's an easy guide on installing a dog door, along with a list of items to make sure of.

Measuring Your Dog

The first and probably the most important step is to measure your dog. Here you need the door to be just the right size so that your pet will be able to walk through it without forcing itself much. Check the height of your dog from the floor up to the top of its shoulders. Depending on the breed, this number should be increased by a couple of inches to enable your dog to get through the door. This will guide you to the size of the dog door that you should choose besides guiding you to where you will install the main door.

Cutting the Door

After the right measurements and buying a dog door kit, you can now proceed to cutting on the main door. First, draw the general outline of the dog door on the surface you want to use with a pencil or marker. Make sure it is of the right height so it won't be straining to have your dog jump into or out of it. Measuring the wood more than once is best before cutting it.

With the help of a drill, make holes in the specified places that you marked earlier at the corners of the rectangle. This will enable the jigsaw to blend in perfectly with the other pieces. Next, point the jigsaw towards the line and with a lot of caution try to cut along the line that has been drawn. After that remove the above section and then smoothen out the edges with sandpaper for a neat look.

Securing the Installation

The next thing that you will need to do is install the frame obviously because you now have an opening for the dog door. Some of the basic components of dog doors are frames for both sides of the door which is usually included in most dog door kits. Ensure that the exterior frame has a hole extending out and keep the frame fixed in position. Fix it by using screws into the door and use the instructions that come along with the packing.

Perform the same for the interior frame, as well as the outer frame so that they are properly aligned. There are also some dog doors designed with a flap or a sliding panel which allows pet control regarding time of entry/exit. You should ensure that this is installed securely following the guidelines that come with it.

Finally, tighten all the screws and ensure that the flap is operational and can easily close and open. Check the door by having your dog use it to be sure that the size and how it was fixed are correct.

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Dog Door

In the worst-case scenario, even with clear instructions on installation, several mistakes may arise regarding your dog door. The following are the lists of things to keep off.

Incorrect Measurements

One of the most common mistakes is the incorrect measurement. For example, if the doorway is too small, the dog may not be able to pass through it freely. If it is too large, it can let in drafts or even other animals into your home from the outside. You want to make sure you obtain the height of your dog and the size of the cutout area for the dog door before you start cutting into the main door. In the matter of measurement, 'it is always better to err on the side of caution' or one should 'measure twice and cut once' cannot be overemphasized.

Poor Placement

One of the most frequent errors that people make involves installing a high or low dog door. If it is high enough, your dog won’t be able to go over it easily especially if it is small or old. However, if the roof is very low, then you can expect that water or even dirt may find its way through to the interior of your house. Location the dog door at a successful place where your dog can enter without bending or lifting his front end.

Choosing The Wrong Type Of Door

This is a common myth that holds the fact that not all innovative doors designed for dogs are the same. Its varieties are countless; there are flap ones and there are more rigid ones that come with a lock. Some are specifically designed to work on wooden doors, metallic doors, or even doors made of glass. If the wrong type of door is used it may not fit correctly or provide adequate insulation or other features. Take your dog and his needs, and climate, as you choose a dog door. A door with good insulation is necessary if your place has extreme weather conditions.

A dog door installation will give freedom to your pet, and it is going to make life easier for both of you. Following the proper steps without falling into these mistakes often is going to make the installation without any complications.